The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Hi... I cut & pasted this from David's really good "Frequently Asked Questions", near the top of our board....
I think the key message is that a sponsor relationship is a very special one, so you probably don't want 'just anyone' to sponsor you... Hang around for awhile, post here, and/or participate in the chat room, and see who you develop a strong connection with....
Hope that helps
Tom
6. Q. What is a Sponsor and How do I get one?
A. A sponsor is a guide. Someone who will help you to become acquainted with the Al-Anon program and will encourage you on your road to recovery.
To get a sponsor, you merely ask someone in the program that you think might be able to help you, preferably someone who has been in the program longer than you, that exhibits some quality that you find attractive.
It is possible to have sponsors online, by asking someone you see in the chat room or on the board that has what you want. It would be preferable to ask this person in private via private message.
Do not be afraid to ask someone to sponsor you. Sponsorship is one of the greatest privileges of recovery. If the person says they cannot sponsor you, dont take it personal. Some people dont feel they are ready yet, others may already be sponsoring as many people as they can handle currently. Just find another person and ask until you can find someone willing!
__________________
"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
On the Al-Anon/Ala-Teen website there is a part for members. There is a speech from Lois W. on that webpage from 1967. I can't (for copyright reasons) copy too much of it here, but she says, "When an older member takes a newcomer under her wing and gives her friendship and understanding, the new member can respond to the program more quickly and many a doubtful prospect can be encouraged to continue her interest in Al-Anon who otherwise might go away disheartened."
On another page from the conference in 1967 about sponsorship it says, "Sponsorship is guidance, not dominance, by the experienced member, to help the newcomer strive for recovery through the 12 suggested steps. Some people prefer to call on the group as a whole for help and thus call it their sponsor. A sponsor lends support but does not assume responsibility." And it goes on for many more pages. It is good reading.
I think anyone looking for a sponsor can get one online or use the whole group or different members at different times for different problems. I think this webpage is a form of sponsorship as well. Anywhere we can get ESH is good for me.
